The ACT contains four multiple-choice tests—English, mathematics, reading, and science—and an optional writing test. These tests are designed to measure skills that are most important for success in postsecondary education and that are acquired in secondary education. The score range for each of the four multiple-choice tests is 1–36. The Composite score is the average of the four test scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
Complete information about the ACT test is available in the technical manual:
The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are the minimum ACT scores required for students to have a high probability of success in credit-bearing first-year college courses. Students who meet a benchmark on the ACT have approximately a 50% chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75% chance of earning a C or better in the corresponding college course or courses. Read more about how the subject-test benchmarks were developed.
| College Course or Course Area | ACT Subject-Area Test | The ACT Test Benchmark |
| English Composition | English | 18 |
| College Algebra | Mathematics | 22 |
| Social Sciences | Reading | 22 |
| Biology | Science | 23 |
Benchmarks for the ACT STEM and ELA scores were developed separately from the other benchmarks because these scores each incorporate multiple subject areas and academic skills – math and science for STEM, and English, reading, and writing for ELA. The STEM benchmark was based on a combination of typical first-year math and science college courses taken by students majoring in STEM fields, specifically, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Data came from nearly 80 institutions and included more than 84,000 students. The ELA benchmark was based on a combination of typical first-year English and social science college courses, specifically, English composition, American history, other history, psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. Data came from 233 institutions and included more than 198,000 students. Using the medians values, the STEM and ELA Benchmarks were 26 and 20, respectively.
ACT research suggests that academic readiness for STEM coursework may require higher scores than those suggested by the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks given that Calculus instead of College Algebra is the typical first math course for students in a STEM major. The ACT STEM score benchmark of 26 is associated with at least a 50% chance of earning a B or higher in a STEM-related course. A student’s STEM score is the average of his or her Math and Science scores. More detailed information about the benchmark is available here.
The ELA Readiness Benchmark represents the level of achievement necessary for students to have a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in a combination of typical first-year English and social science college courses. These courses include English composition, American history, other history, psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. The resulting benchmark, an ELA score of 20, was the median value across 233 institutions and included more than 198,000 students.
We are committed to keeping our score scales consistent and stable. Learn more about Why Scores on the ACT Are Scores You Can Trust (PDF).
The ACT is administered across the US multiple times annually on multiple separate dates. See the National Test Date Schedules.
Scores for students who took the ACT without writing are normally reported as early as 2 weeks after the test date.
Score reports for students who took the ACT with writing will be released only after all their scores are available, normally within 5 to 8 weeks after the test date.
Reporting may take longer for a variety of reasons, including late-arriving answer documents, discrepancies in student matching data, and unpaid student fees. Reporting of these records occurs after resolution in the next available cycle.
In states and districts that administer the ACT to all students as part of a contract, the test date(s) will be determined between the state or district and ACT.
Scores are normally reported to students 2 to 8 weeks after testing.
Colleges use ACT test score reports in making decisions about admissions and course placement and to advise students throughout the enrollment process.
Admissions Decisions
ACT test results, high school grades, academic preparation, out-of-class accomplishments, and future plans—these and other kinds of information help admissions officials identify applicants who can benefit most from their programs.
Course Placement
Colleges usually try to take into account individual strengths and weaknesses as they place students in first-year courses. For example, a college may offer three sections of a subject—developmental, regular, and advanced. A student's ACT test results, academic background, and high school grades might be used to determine which section would be most appropriate.
Academic Advising
College academic advisors may consider ACT results, high school academic program, high school grades, planned extracurricular activities, areas in which there is a need for assistance, and part-time employment plans to tailor an appropriate program of study to a student.
Some scholarship programs may use ACT test results with other information such as high school grades to identify qualified candidates. However, the programs may not look at academic potential alone. The ACT score report provides information about a student's educational needs, extracurricular achievements, and educational plans. This information, along with high school grades and test scores, helps the programs evaluate applications for scholarships and other financial assistance.
Subject scores aren't the only things included in the ACT score report. It also provides valuable information that goes beyond the scores, including: